Bobby Weed Golf Design completes second phase renovation of Palma Ceia

By Will Coughlin| November 11, 2025 0 Comments

Pictured is one of Palma Ceia's renovated bunkers, which were excavated, re-shaped and re-constructed with new drainage, liner and sand. (Photo: Bobby Weed) — Pictured is one of Palma Ceia’s renovated bunkers, which were excavated, reshaped and reconstructed with new drainage, liner and sand. (Photo: Bobby Weed)

Bobby Weed Golf Design recently finished the second phase of renovations at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, 14 years after the firm’s initial phase of restoration on the famed Tom Bendelow and Donald Ross original design. The anticipated reopening took place on Oct. 31.

A conceptual plan of hole 4 shows necessary updates to the tee boxes, retention pond, retaining walls and green complex. (Photo: Bobby Weed)

Palma Ceia was the founding club of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), former host of the largest event purse on the PGA Tour and annual host of the Gasparilla Invitational, known as one of the most prestigious national amateur golf tournaments in the country, according to the club.

“Led by renovation chairmen Phil Carrol and Dan Fields, along with superintendent Carson Kamps, Palma Ceia has entrusted our firm to guide the continued evolution of Tampa’s oldest private golf course,” said golf course architect and longtime ASGCA member Bobby Weed. “Our latest scope provides a more consistent, drier and faster playing experience that will be well received by Palma Ceia’s membership.

“To lay out a phased master plan that was encompassed over a decade proves that proper planning and budgeting to fit the club’s other capital improvements is a testament to Palma Ceia’s goal of raising the bar for all amenities at the club,” said Weed, who was also aided by his associate, Joey Graziani.